February 28 1945 April 27 2020
At 7:18 AM, April 27, 2020, the gates to Heaven opened as the angels hummed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The Lord said, “Welcome my child…Welcome!” Please stand and dance into my arms…you have more than exceeded my expectations with your kindness, your generosity, and your fierce love for all. Because of that, I shall deem you the maker of my rainbows. The calm after the storm, the beauty, and the HOPE. Then the Lord said, “It is time to wave goodbye to your loving family and friends for now, for you shall all meet again, I promise. Until then, they will know and feel your love in every rainbow they see.” She turned around with a pain free, child like joy on her face, as if saying, “Can you believe this? I get to send you RAINBOWS!” And then, our beautiful mother and friend waved goodbye. Patti Alene Buurma, age 75, ended her 6 ½ year journey with breast cancer on Monday. Throughout her journey, she tried many different experiments, and by doing so, hopefully gave doctors more knowledge to help future generations. She was born February 28, 1945 in Muskegon to John and Irene (Economan) Snider. Patti graduated from Whitehall High School and earned her master’s degree in teaching from Western Michigan University. She became a licensed cosmetologist in 1965 and went on to become a kindergarten teacher for Edgewood Elementary and enjoyed every minute of her 24-year career, prior to her retirement. Patti loved the water, sunsets, dancing, traveling around the world, entertaining, laughing, fishing, and going to the movies. She was a giving person and was generous to a fault. Spending time with family and friends meant the world to her. To sum it all up, Patti just “Loved Life.” Patti will be missed by her 2 daughters: Debbie (Joseph) Veltman and Tammy (Danial) Gage Horsley; step-daughter, Amanda (Glen) Brower; 3 grandchildren: Joshua (Jessica Rose) Plant, Jordan Veltman, and Gage (Caroline Kendra) Veltman; 3 step-grandchildren: Katie, Karlee, and Kira Brower; 2 great-grandchildren: Aiden Starno and Kendalynn Snellblamer; 1 great-great-granddaughter, Adalynn Thiele; step-mother, Violet Snider; brother, Timothy Snider; sister, Loretta McLaughlin; many nieces, nephews, and special friends. Patti was preceded in death by her parents and 4 brothers: Bruce, Jackie, Mike, and Craig Snider. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and social distancing, a celebration of Patti’s life will be held at a later date. MEMORIALS to Kids’ Food Basket will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Patti A. Buurma please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Patti A Buurma February 28 1945 April 27 2020.
Vanzantwick Bartels & Kammeraad Funeral Homes Inc
Death notice for the town of: Grand Haven, state: Michigan